Former Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has said that the presence of several fresh faces in Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations squad has led to doubts among fans, but insisted that belief, commitment and hard work can still drive the team to success.

Head coach Eric Chelle recently released his 28-man squad for the AFCON tournament scheduled to begin later this month, and the selection has generated mixed reactions across the country.

Several established names were left out, while a number of less experienced players earned surprise call-ups.

Among those attracting attention are Ryan Alebiosu, Salim Fago Lawal, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Tochukwu Nnadi, whose inclusions have raised questions among sections of the fan base.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa, Onazi acknowledged that the unfamiliar nature of some of the selections has contributed to skepticism around the squad.

He, however, urged Nigerians to remember that similar doubts surrounded the Super Eagles team that went on to win the 2013 AFCON in South Africa.

“Just like our team in 2013, we had many new players who made many people not believe in the team when we went to the tournament in South Africa,” Onazi said.

“We knew we had a huge task in front of us, and we decided to give it our best and we were able to lift the title.”

Chelle’s squad omitted players such as Tolu Arokodare, Maduka Okoye and Victor Boniface, decisions that further fueled debate among fans and pundits.

In contrast, the coach handed opportunities to emerging talents, alongside recalling goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, an inclusion that also surprised many Nigerians.

Despite the controversy, the squad still contains experienced internationals including Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Zaidu Sanusi and Calvin Bassey, who are expected to play key roles during the tournament.

Onazi stressed that external opinions should not distract the players selected, insisting that wearing the national jersey comes with responsibility and pride. He called on the squad to focus on collective effort rather than individual reputations.

“I always insist that once you wear that jersey, it does not matter when you play,” he said.

“What matters is your heart. Give your all to the team and remember that you are representing the whole of Nigeria.”

He added that the players must understand the weight of expectation that comes with representing the country. “More than 200 million people are looking up to you to make them happy at that moment. Just do your best and leave everything on the pitch,” Onazi said.

The Super Eagles will step up their preparations with a friendly match against Egypt at the Cairo Stadium on Tuesday, December 16. Nigeria will then head to Fez, Morocco, where they will open their group-stage campaign against Tanzania on December 23, before facing Tunisia on December 27 and Uganda on December 30 to conclude the first round.

Wale Adejumo